IP Library Granted Patent US 10,910,117
Granted Patent B2
US 10,910,117 · App. 16/889,357 · Granted Feb 2, 2021

Wirelessly emitting signals corresponding to detected neutron flux

Inventor: Lyman J. Petrosky (Latrobe, PA)
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
G21C17/108G21C17/112
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,910,117
App. No.
16/889,357
Granted
Feb 2, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

A transmitter device includes a neutron detector structured to detect neutron flux, a capacitor electrically connected in parallel with the neutron detector, a gas discharge tube having an input end and an output end, and an antenna electrically connected to the output end. The input end is electrically connected with the capacitor. The antenna is structured to emit a signal corresponding to the neutron flux.

Claims (10)

1. A method of measuring a number of environmental conditions with a transmitter device, said transmitter device comprising a neutron detector, a capacitor electrically connected in parallel with said neutron detector, a gas discharge tube comprising an input end and an output end, and an antenna electrically connected to said output end, said input end being electrically connected with said capacitor, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting neutron flux with said neutron detector;

storing energy in said capacitor until a breakdown voltage of said gas discharge tube is reached; and

emitting a signal with said antenna corresponding to the neutron flux.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said transmitter device further comprises an oscillator circuit electrically connected with said output end and said antenna; and wherein the method further comprises:

pulsing said antenna with said oscillator circuit.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said oscillator circuit comprises a second capacitor, an inductor electrically connected to said second capacitor, and a resistance temperature detector electrically connected in series with said inductor; wherein said second capacitor and said inductor are each electrically connected with said antenna; and wherein the method further comprises:

altering the signal emitted by said antenna with said resistance temperature detector.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein said oscillator circuit comprises a second capacitor, an inductor electrically connected to said second capacitor, and a second inductor electrically connected in series with said inductor; wherein said second capacitor and said inductor are each electrically connected with said antenna; and wherein the method further comprises:

altering the signal emitted by said antenna with said second inductor.

Assignments (4)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jan 30, 2024
From: BANK OF MONTREAL, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC; BHI ENERGY I SPECIALTY SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 066380/0599 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 26, 2024
From: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC; BHI ENERGY I SPECIALTY SERVICES LLC; STONE & WEBSTER, L.L.C. (FORMERLY STONE & WEBSTER, INC.)
To: DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 066373/0604 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 27, 2022
From: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC; BHI ENERGY I SPECIALTY SERVICES LLC
To: BANK OF MONTREAL, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 060791/0372 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 24, 2021
From: PETROSKY, LYMAN J.
To: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC
Reel/Frame 055011/0213 →