Gerald M Latter

Title: **Gerald M. Latter: Innovator in Nuclear Fuel Assembly Technology**

Introduction

Gerald M. Latter, an accomplished inventor based in Wilmington, North Carolina, has made significant contributions to the field of nuclear engineering. With a portfolio of 13 patents, his work focuses primarily on the development of advanced debris filtration systems for nuclear fuel assemblies, which are essential in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of nuclear reactors.

Latest Patents

Gerald's most recent patents center around methods for forming debris filters specifically designed for nuclear fuel assemblies. These innovative filters are integrated into the lower tie plates of fuel assemblies and are engineered to filter fluids as they pass through. The design utilizes a series of adjacent plates featuring aligned peaks and valleys to create multiple channels. Each plate is equipped with small excisions in various shapes, such as diamonds and triangles, strategically placed near the fluid entry points to capture debris that could potentially cause damage to the fuel cladding. The excisions are arranged in alternating patterns around each channel, optimized to entrap smaller debris commonly found in reactor coolant flows. Furthermore, Gerald's patents propose the use of multiple vertical stages within the filters, allowing for different channels at each stage and utilizing ligaments to connect each layer while providing gaps for intermixing. Remarkably, all components—including plates, peaks, valleys, ligaments, and excisions—can be produced in a single stamping operation, streamlining the manufacturing process and avoiding excess or overlapping parts.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Gerald has been associated with leading companies in the nuclear energy sector. He has worked at General Electric Company and Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLC, where he has played a significant role in advancing nuclear fuel technology. His expertise has been critical in developing solutions that enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear power generation.

Collaborations

Gerald has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Eric B. Johansson and Bruce Matzner. These partnerships have facilitated innovation and the sharing of expertise, further contributing to the advancement of nuclear fuel assembly technologies.

Conclusion

Gerald M. Latter stands out as a visionary inventor whose work has substantial implications for the nuclear energy industry. His innovative patents related to debris filters help ensure the safe and effective operation of nuclear reactors, underscoring his importance as an influential figure in engineering and technology within this critical sector.