Alan C Ehrke

Title: Alan C. Ehrke and Nuclear Reactor Safety

Introduction

Alan C. Ehrke is an inventor associated with San Jose, California, and General Electric Company. His patent work addresses nuclear reactor safety through systems for depressurizing a reactor and supplying supplementary coolant.

Latest Patents

Ehrke is credited with 1 patent: “Propellant Actuated Nuclear Reactor Steam Depressurization Valve.” The invention describes a water-cooled, steam-producing nuclear fission reactor equipped with a propellant-actuated valve for depressurization and, where needed, water injection. Releasing pressure from the reactor pressure vessel can enable supplementary coolant water to flow by gravity into the vessel, helping protect the fuel core from damage.

Career Highlights

Ehrke’s documented patent contribution focuses on a safety mechanism intended to support reactor cooling during conditions requiring pressure relief. The patent connects controlled depressurization with the delivery of additional coolant.

Collaborations

The supplied information identifies George I. Skoda and John B. Knepp as Ehrke’s coworkers. Their names are associated with his professional context, though specific roles in the patent are not provided.

Conclusion

Alan C. Ehrke’s recorded invention combines reactor depressurization and supplementary coolant delivery to address an important nuclear safety challenge.