Stanley G Wiedmeyer

US Patent:

8598473, Dec 3, 2013

Filed:

Dec 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/335139

Inventors:

Mark Á Williamson - Naperville IL, US
Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Robert J. Blaskovitz - Lockport IL, US

Assignee:

GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

H02G 3/18

US Classification:

174659, 174 72 B, 174 99 B, 439211, 361611

Abstract:

A bus bar electrical feedthrough for an electrorefiner system may include a retaining plate, electrical isolator, and/or contact block. The retaining plate may include a central opening. The electrical isolator may include a top portion, a base portion, and a slot extending through the top and base portions. The top portion of the electrical isolator may be configured to extend through the central opening of the retaining plate. The contact block may include an upper section, a lower section, and a ridge separating the upper and lower sections. The upper section of the contact block may be configured to extend through the slot of the electrical isolator and the central opening of the retaining plate. Accordingly, relatively high electrical currents may be transferred into a glovebox or hot-cell facility at a relatively low cost and higher amperage capacity without sacrificing atmosphere integrity.

US Patent:

8636892, Jan 28, 2014

Filed:

Dec 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/977839

Inventors:

Eugene R. Koehl - Joliet IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US

Assignee:

GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

C25C 3/00
C25C 5/04

US Classification:

205560

Abstract:

Power distribution systems are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include several cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts that permit flexible modular assembly numbers and placement in standardized connection configurations. Electrical contacts may be arranged at any position where assembly contact is desired. Electrical power may be provided via power cables attached to seating assemblies of the electrical contacts. Cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts may provide electrical power at any desired levels. Pairs of anode and cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide equal and opposite electrical power; different cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide different levels of electrical power to a same or different modular cathode assembly. Electrical systems may be used with an electrolyte container into which the modular cathode and anode assemblies extend and are supported above, with the modular cathode and anode assemblies mechanically and electrically connecting to the respective contacts in power distribution systems.

US Patent:

20120160666, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Dec 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/978027

Inventors:

Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US
John F. Berger - Wilmington NC, US

Assignee:

GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

C25C 7/02

US Classification:

204225

Abstract:

An electrolytic oxide reduction system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of anode assemblies, a plurality of cathode assemblies, and a lift system configured to engage the anode and cathode assemblies. The cathode assemblies may be alternately arranged with the anode assemblies such that each cathode assembly is flanked by two anode assemblies. The lift system may be configured to selectively engage the anode and cathode assemblies so as to allow the simultaneous lifting of any combination of the anode and cathode assemblies (whether adjacent or non-adjacent).

US Patent:

20120160668, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Dec 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/977791

Inventors:

James L. Bailey - Hinsdale IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US

Assignee:

GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

C25B 9/00

US Classification:

204279

Abstract:

An electrolytic oxide reduction system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of anode assemblies and an anode shroud for each of the anode assemblies. The anode shroud may be used to dilute, cool, and/or remove off-gas from the electrolytic oxide reduction system. The anode shroud may include a body portion having a tapered upper section that includes an apex. The body portion may have an inner wall that defines an off-gas collection cavity. A chimney structure may extend from the apex of the upper section and be connected to the off-gas collection cavity of the body portion. The chimney structure may include an inner tube within an outer tube. Accordingly, a sweep gas/cooling gas may be supplied down the annular space between the inner and outer tubes, while the off-gas may be removed through an exit path defined by the inner tube.

US Patent:

20120160700, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Dec 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/978005

Inventors:

Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US

Assignee:

GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

C25B 11/02
C25C 3/00

US Classification:

205477, 204282

Abstract:

Modular cathode assemblies are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include a basket through which fluid electrolyte may pass and exchange charge with a material to be reduced in the basket. The basket can be divided into upper and lower sections to provide entry for the material. Example embodiment cathode assemblies may have any shape to permit modular placement at any position in reduction systems. Modular cathode assemblies include a cathode plate in the basket, to which unique and opposite electrical power may be supplied. Example embodiment modular cathode assemblies may have standardized electrical connectors. Modular cathode assemblies may be supported by a top plate of an electrolytic reduction system. Electrolytic oxide reduction systems are operated by positioning modular cathode and anode assemblies at desired positions, placing a material in the basket, and charging the modular assemblies to reduce the metal oxide.

US Patent:

20120160704, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Dec 23, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/977916

Inventors:

Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US

Assignee:

GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

C23F 13/00
C25B 9/00
C25B 11/00

US Classification:

205724, 2042861, 204242, 204274

Abstract:

Modular anode assemblies are used in electrolytic oxide reduction systems for scalable reduced metal production via electrolysis. Assemblies include a channel frame connected to several anode rods extending into an electrolyte. An electrical system powers the rods while being insulated from the channel frame. A cooling system removes heat from anode rods and the electrical system. An anode guard attaches to the channel frame to prevent accidental electrocution or damage during handling or repositioning. Each anode rod may be divided into upper and lower sections to permit easy repair and swapping out of lower sections. The modular assemblies may have standardized components to permit placement at multiple points within a reducing system. Example methods may operate an electrolytic oxide reduction system by positioning the modular anode assemblies in the reduction system and applying electrical power to the plurality of anode assemblies.

US Patent:

20130160797, Jun 27, 2013

Filed:

Dec 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/335209

Inventors:

Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Robert J. Blaskovitz - Lockport IL, US

Assignee:

GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

B08B 1/00

US Classification:

134 6, 1523601

Abstract:

Embodiments include a cathode scraper system and/or method of using the same for removing uranium. The cathode scraper system includes a plurality of cathode assemblies. Each cathode assembly includes a plurality of cathode rods. The cathode scraper system also includes a cathode scraper assembly configured to remove purified uranium deposited on the plurality of cathode rods. The cathode scraper assembly includes a plurality of scrapers arranged in a lattice, and each scraper of the plurality of scrapers is arranged to correspond to a different cathode rod.

US Patent:

20130161160, Jun 27, 2013

Filed:

Dec 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/335140

Inventors:

Mark A. Williamson - Naperville IL, US
Stanley G. Wiedmeyer - Glen Ellyn IL, US
James L. Willit - Batavia IL, US
Laurel A. Barnes - Chicago IL, US
Robert J. Blaskovitz - Lockport IL, US

Assignee:

GE HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC - Wilmington NC

International Classification:

B65G 19/14

US Classification:

198716

Abstract:

A continuous recovery system for an electrorefiner system may include a trough having a ridge portion and a furrow portion. The furrow portion may include a first section and a second section. An inlet and exit pipe may be connected to the trough. The inlet pipe may include an outlet opening that opens up to the first section of the furrow portion of the trough. The exit pipe may include an entrance opening that opens up to the second section of the furrow portion of the trough. A chain may extend through the inlet and exit pipes and along the furrow portion of the trough. The chain may be in a continuous loop form. A plurality of flights may be secured to the chain. Accordingly, the desired product may be continuously harvested from the electrorefiner system without having to halt the electrical power and/or remove the cathode and anode assemblies.