公开(公告)号：US5650053A

公开(公告)日：1997-07-22

申请号：US562612

申请日：1995-11-24

Applicant: Eddie C. Gay ,  William E. Miller ,  James J. Laidler

Inventor： Eddie C. Gay ,  William E. Miller ,  James J. Laidler

IPC: C22B60/02 ,  C22B60/04 ,  C25C7/00 ,  C25C7/06 ,  G21C19/48 ,  C25D17/00 ,  A62D3/00 ,  C25C3/00

CPC classification number: C25C7/06 ,  C22B60/0213 ,  C22B60/04 ,  C25C7/007 ,  G21C19/48 ,  Y02P10/212 ,  Y02W30/884

Abstract: A cathode-anode arrangement for use in an electrolytic cell is adapted for electrochemically refining spent nuclear fuel from a nuclear reactor and recovering purified uranium for further treatment and possible recycling as a fresh blanket or core fuel in a nuclear reactor. The arrangement includes a plurality of inner anodic dissolution baskets that are each attached to a respective support rod, are submerged in a molten lithium halide salt, and are rotationally displaced. An inner hollow cylindrical-shaped cathode is concentrically disposed about the inner anodic dissolution baskets. Concentrically disposed about the inner cathode in a spaced manner are a plurality of outer anodic dissolution baskets, while an outer hollow cylindrical-shaped is disposed about the outer anodic dissolution baskets. Uranium is transported from the anode baskets and deposited in a uniform cylindrical shape on the inner and outer cathode cylinders by rotating the anode baskets within the molten lithium halide salt. Scrapers located on each anode basket abrade and remove the spent fuel deposits on the surfaces of the inner and outer cathode cylinders, with the spent fuel falling to the bottom of the cell for removal. Cell resistance is reduced and uranium deposition rate enhanced by increasing the electrode area and reducing the anode-cathode spacing. Collection efficiency is enhanced by trapping and recovery of uranium dendrites scrapped off of the cylindrical cathodes which may be greater in number than two.

Abstract translation: 用于电解池的阴极 - 阳极装置适用于从核反应堆电化学炼制废核燃料，并回收纯化的铀进一步处理，并可能在核反应堆中作为新鲜的毯子或核心燃料循环使用。 该装置包括多个内部阳极溶解篮，其各自附接到相应的支撑杆，浸没在熔融的卤化锂盐中，并被旋转移位。 内部中空圆柱形阴极围绕内部阳极溶解篮同心地设置。 围绕内阴极以间隔方式集中布置有多个外阳极溶解篮，而外中空圆柱形围绕外阳极溶解篮设置。 通过将阳极筐旋转在熔融的卤化锂盐内，铀从阳极筐传送并以均匀的圆柱形形式沉积在内外阴极气缸上。 位于每个阳极篮上的刮板磨损并且去除内外阴极气缸表面上的废燃料沉积物，而废燃料落到电池底部以除去。 电池电阻降低，并且通过增加电极面积并降低阳极 - 阴极间距来提高铀沉积速率。 通过捕获和回收从圆柱形阴极废弃的铀枝晶可提高收集效率，其数目可能大于2。

公开(公告)号：US07011736B1

公开(公告)日：2006-03-14

申请号：US10637089

申请日：2003-08-05

Applicant: William E. Miller ,  Eddie C. Gay ,  Zygmunt Tomczuk

Inventor： William E. Miller ,  Eddie C. Gay ,  Zygmunt Tomczuk

IPC: C25C3/34

CPC classification number: C25C3/34 ,  C25C7/005

Abstract: A improved device and process for recycling spent nuclear fuels, in particular uranium metal, that facilitates the refinement and recovery of uranium metal from spent metallic nuclear fuels. The electrorefiner device comprises two anodes in predetermined spatial relation to a cathode. The anodese have separate current and voltage controls. A much higher voltage than normal for the electrorefining process is applied to the second anode, thereby facilitating oxidization of uranium (III), U+, to uranium (IV), U+4. The current path from the second anode to the cathode is physically shorter than the similar current path from the second anode to the spent nuclear fuel contained in a first anode shaped as a basket. The resulting U+4 oxidizes and solubilizes rough uranium deposited on the surface of the cathode. A softer uranium metal surface is left on the cathode and is more readily removed by a scraper.

Abstract translation: 用于回收废核燃料，特别是铀金属的改进装置和方法，其有助于从废金属核燃料中精炼和回收铀金属。 电学纯化装置包括与阴极预定的空间关系的两个阳极。 阳极电池具有单独的电流和电压控制。 对于第二阳极施加比正常电压高的电解精炼工艺，因此铀（III），铀（Ⅳ），铀（Ⅳ），U + 4， SUP>。 从第二阳极到阴极的电流路径物理上短于从第二阳极到包含在形成为篮状物的第一阳极中的废核燃料的类似电流路径。 所产生的U + 4氧化并溶解沉积在阴极表面上的粗铀。 较软的铀金属表面留在阴极上，更容易被刮刀去除。

公开(公告)号：US5531868A

公开(公告)日：1996-07-02

申请号：US267949

申请日：1994-07-06

Applicant: William E. Miller ,  Eddie C. Gay ,  Zygmunt Tomczuk

Inventor： William E. Miller ,  Eddie C. Gay ,  Zygmunt Tomczuk

IPC: C25C3/34 ,  C25C7/00

CPC classification number: C25C7/005 ,  C25C3/34

Abstract: A combination anode and cathode for an electrorefiner which includes a hollow cathode and an anode positioned inside the hollow cathode such that a portion of the anode is near the cathode. A retaining member is positioned at the bottom of the cathode. Mechanism is included for providing relative movement between the anode and the cathode during deposition of metal on the inside surface of the cathode during operation of the electrorefiner to refine spent nuclear fuel. A method is also disclosed which includes electrical power means selectively connectable to the anode and the hollow cathode for providing electrical power to the cell components, electrically transferring uranium values and plutonium values from the anode to the electrolyte, and electrolytically depositing substantially pure uranium on the hollow cathode. Uranium and plutonium are deposited at a liquid cathode together after the PuCl.sub.3 to UCl.sub.3 ratio is greater than 2:1. Slots in the hollow cathode provides close anode access for the liquid pool in the liquid cathode.

Abstract translation: 用于电学纯化器的组合阳极和阴极，其包括中空阴极和位于中空阴极内部的阳极，使得阳极的一部分靠近阴极。 保持构件位于阴极的底部。 包括用于在电精炼机操作期间金属沉积在阴极内部以净化废核燃料时在阳极和阴极之间提供相对运动的机构。 还公开了一种方法，其包括可选择性地连接到阳极和空心阴极的电功率装置，用于向电池组件提供电力，将铀值和钚值从阳极电转移到电解质，以及将基本上纯的铀电解沉积在 空心阴极。 在PuCl3与UCl3之比大于2:1后，铀和钚一起沉积在液体阴极上。 中空阴极中的插槽为液体阴极中的液池提供了近乎阳极的接近。

公开(公告)号：US5009752A

公开(公告)日：1991-04-23

申请号：US398578

申请日：1989-08-25

Applicant: Zygmunt Tomczuk ,  William E. Miller ,  Raymond D. Wolson ,  Eddie C. Gay

Inventor： Zygmunt Tomczuk ,  William E. Miller ,  Raymond D. Wolson ,  Eddie C. Gay

IPC: C25C3/34 ,  C25C7/00

CPC classification number: C25C3/34 ,  C25C7/005

Abstract: An electrochemical process and apparatus for the recovery of uranium and plutonium from spent metal clad fuel pins is disclosed. The process uses secondary reactions between U.sup.+4 cations and elemental uranium at the anode to increase reaction rates and improve anodic efficiency compared to prior art processes. In another embodiment of the process, secondary reactions between Cd.sup.+2 cations and elemental uranium to form uranium cations and elemental cadmium also assists in oxidizing the uranium at the anode.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于从废金属包覆燃料销中回收铀和钚的电化学方法和装置。 该方法在阳极处使用U + 4阳离子和元素铀之间的二次反应来提高反应速率并提高阳极效率。 在该方法的另一个实施方案中，Cd + 2阳离子和元素铀之间形成铀阳离子和元素镉的二次反应也有助于氧化阳极处的铀。

公开(公告)号：US07668445B2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-23

申请号：US11495067

申请日：2006-07-28

Applicant: William E. Miller ,  Lawrence J. Brazis

Inventor： William E. Miller ,  Lawrence J. Brazis

IPC: H05B3/80

CPC classification number: F24H9/2021 ,  H05B1/0283

Abstract: A control for an electric water heater detects a condition of a heating element when the heating element is not being energized. A switching module is operable to interrupt power to the heating element, which de-energizes the heating element. A detector module detects the condition of the heating element when the heating element is de-energized. The detector module senses current flowing through the heating element and generates a detection signal that is indicative of the current.

Abstract translation: 当加热元件未通电时，电热水器的控制器检测加热元件的状态。 开关模块可操作以中断加热元件的电力，这使加热元件断电。 当加热元件断电时，检测器模块检测加热元件的状态。 检测器模块感测流过加热元件的电流并产生指示电流的检测信号。

公开(公告)号：US07049523B2

公开(公告)日：2006-05-23

申请号：US10233287

申请日：2002-08-30

Applicant: Brian R. Shuman ,  Thomas L. Rodeghero ,  Galen M. Gareis ,  William E. Miller ,  Charles R. Barnett

Inventor： Brian R. Shuman ,  Thomas L. Rodeghero ,  Galen M. Gareis ,  William E. Miller ,  Charles R. Barnett

IPC: H01B11/00

CPC classification number: H01B11/1891 ,  G02B6/441 ,  G02B6/4417 ,  H01B7/0045 ,  H01B11/20 ,  H01B11/22 ,  H01B13/14 ,  H01B13/24 ,  H02G3/0487 ,  Y10T29/49194 ,  Y10T29/49201

Abstract: Multi-member cables which are comprised of two or more components (including component cables and non-cable components) held together by at least one adhesive element placed between the components, and methods for manufacturing such cables. Multi-member cables which are comprised of jacketed cables whose jackets are adhered together without the use of an adhesive element, such as by co-forming the jackets, and methods for manufacturing such cables are also discussed. Generally, the components will be separated from the multi-member cable by an installer, although other methods may also be used.

Abstract translation: 由两个或更多个组件（包括部件电缆和非电缆部件）组成的多构件电缆，其由放置在部件之间的至少一个粘合剂元件保持在一起，以及用于制造这种电缆的方法。 还讨论了由夹套电缆组成的多构件电缆，其夹套粘合在一起而不使用粘合元件，例如通过共同成形夹套，以及用于制造这种电缆的方法。 通常，组件将通过安装者与多构件电缆分离，尽管也可以使用其他方法。

公开(公告)号：US5711019A

公开(公告)日：1998-01-20

申请号：US594974

申请日：1996-01-31

Applicant: Zygmunt Tomczuk ,  William E. Miller ,  Gerald K. Johnson ,  James L. Willit

Inventor： Zygmunt Tomczuk ,  William E. Miller ,  Gerald K. Johnson ,  James L. Willit

IPC: A62D3/00 ,  A62D3/37 ,  A62D101/43 ,  C01D3/14 ,  C01D15/00

CPC classification number: A62D3/37 ,  C01D15/00 ,  C01D3/14 ,  A62D2101/43

Abstract: A method of removing Li.sub.2 O present in an electrolyte predominantly of LiCl and KCl. The electrolyte is heated to a temperature not less than about 500.degree. C. and then Al is introduced into the electrolyte in an amount in excess of the stoichiometric amount needed to convert the Li.sub.2 O to a Li-Al alloy and lithium aluminate salt. The salt and aluminum are maintained in contact with agitation for a time sufficient to convert the Li.sub.2 O.

Abstract translation: 一种除去Li2O和KCl主要存在于电解质中的Li2O的方法。 将电解质加热至不低于约500℃的温度，然后将Al以超过将Li 2 O转化为Li-Al合金和铝酸锂盐所需的化学计量的量引入电解质中。 盐和铝保持与搅拌接触足够的时间以转化Li 2 O。

公开(公告)号：US5301084A

公开(公告)日：1994-04-05

申请号：US748119

申请日：1991-08-21

Applicant: William E. Miller

Inventor： William E. Miller

IPC: H01L27/04 ,  H01L21/822 ,  H01L21/8238 ,  H01L27/02 ,  H01L27/092 ,  H03K19/003 ,  H02H9/04

CPC classification number: H01L27/0251 ,  H01L27/0259

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge ("ESD") protection circuit for use in CMOS I.C. devices provides a low voltage path to and from each input and output ("I/O") pad and power pad by using the wide, low resistance metal VCC and Vss rings and parasitic bipolar transistors configured as three terminal devices at each I/O and power pad. The present invention also provides a clamp, between the VCC and VSS rings, capable of being rapidly switched into the conducting state during an ESD event so as to shunt excess bias current that could otherwise damage reverse biased junctions during an ESD event.

Abstract translation: 用于CMOS ICC的静电放电（“ESD”）保护电路 器件通过使用宽，低电阻金属VCC和Vss环以及在每个I / O配置为三端子器件的寄生双极晶体管，为每个输入和输出（“I / O”）焊盘和电源焊盘提供低电压路径 和电源板。 本发明还提供了在VCC和VSS环之间的钳位，其能够在ESD事件期间快速地切换到导通状态，以便分流可能在ESD事件期间损坏反向偏置接合的过量偏置电流。

公开(公告)号：US5200802A

公开(公告)日：1993-04-06

申请号：US902516

申请日：1992-06-22

Applicant: William E. Miller

Inventor： William E. Miller

IPC: H01L27/112

CPC classification number: H01L27/112

Abstract: ROM cell programmed ON has N+ source implant spaced a given distance from the gate with LDD bridging the gap between the N+ source and the N channel. ROM cell programmed OFF has P+ implanted into this gap so as to completely override the LDD in this gap. The P+ prevents the N channel from forming ohmic connection to the N+ source.

Abstract translation: ROM单元编程ON具有N +源极注入，与栅极间隔一定距离，LDD桥接N +源极和N沟道之间的间隙。 被编程为关闭的ROM单元具有P +注入到该间隙中，以便在该间隙中完全覆盖LDD。 P +防止N通道与N +源形成欧姆连接。

公开(公告)号：US5147616A

公开(公告)日：1992-09-15

申请号：US770387

申请日：1991-10-03

Applicant: John P. Ackerman ,  James E. Battles ,  Terry R. Johnson ,  William E. Miller ,  R. Dean Pierce

Inventor： John P. Ackerman ,  James E. Battles ,  Terry R. Johnson ,  William E. Miller ,  R. Dean Pierce

IPC: C22B60/02 ,  G21C19/48

CPC classification number: C22B60/0213 ,  G21C19/48 ,  Y02P10/212 ,  Y02W30/884

Abstract: A process of separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels which contain rare earth and noble metal fission products. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of CaCl.sub.2 and a U-Fe alloy containing not less than about 84% by weight uranium at a temperature in the range of from about 800.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C. to produce additional uranium metal which dissolves in the U-Fe alloy raising the uranium concentration and having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein. The CaCl.sub.2 having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein is separated and electrolytically treated with a carbon electrode to reduce the CaO to Ca metal while converting the carbon electrode to CO and CO.sub.2. The Ca metal and CaCl.sub.2 is recycled to reduce additional oxide fuel. The U-Fe alloy having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein is contacted with Mg metal which takes up the actinide and rare earth fission product metals. The U-Fe alloy retains the noble metal fission products and is stored while the Mg is distilled and recycled leaving the transuranium actinide and rare earth fission products isolated.

Abstract translation: 将铀的锕系元素值与含有稀土和贵金属裂变产物的废核氧化物燃料中存在的铀值分离的过程。 在CaCl 2和含有不少于约84重量％铀的U-Fe合金的存在下，在约800℃至约850℃的温度范围内，氧化物燃料用Ca金属还原以产生 溶解在U-Fe合金中的另外的铀金属提高铀浓度并且具有铀锕系金属和稀土裂变产物金属以及其中溶解的贵金属裂变产物。 将碳酸钙和碱金属的裂变产物和碱土金属和碘溶解在其中的CaCl 2分离并用碳电极进行电解处理，以将碳电极转化为CO和CO 2，从而将CaO还原为Ca金属。 Ca金属和CaCl2被再循环以减少额外的氧化物燃料。 具有锕系金属和稀土裂变产物金属的U-Fe合金和溶解在其中的贵金属裂变产物与吸收锕系元素和稀土裂变产物金属的金属Mg接触。 U-Fe合金保留贵金属裂变产物，并在Mg蒸馏和再循环时储存，分离出铀锕系和稀土裂变产物。