James Jerome Patnesky, Jr

Title: James Jerome Patnesky, Jr.: Nuclear Reactor Control-Rod Testing and Analysis

Introduction

James Jerome Patnesky, Jr. is an inventor based in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. His patent work focuses on systems for analyzing and testing nuclear reactor control-rod drive mechanisms. He is associated with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Patnesky’s listed patents address monitoring control-rod operation and evaluating rod performance.

“Method and Apparatus for Control Rod Drive Mechanism Analysis Using Coil” describes a system that measures and processes electrical signals from the coils in a control-rod drive mechanism. The system compares measured current data with nominal and historical data, checks timing relationships such as the current notch associated with gripper pull-in, and updates its historical records. Monitoring voltages or currents can also help identify faults in specific circuit elements.

“System and Method for Simultaneously Testing a Plurality of Control Rods” describes testing multiple control-rod clusters in a reactor vessel. The system retracts the rods to a testing position, then terminates electrical power so the clusters fall into the vessel. A rod-position indicator and computing system record the fall times and generate an elapsed-time profile for the clusters.

Career Highlights

Patnesky’s work is associated with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. The patents reflect an emphasis on control-rod diagnostics, coordinated testing, and the collection of operational data for evaluating reactor mechanisms.

Collaborations

His listed coworkers include Joseph Pysnik and Panfilo Augustino Federico. Their names appear alongside Patnesky’s professional and patent-related associations.

Conclusion

James Jerome Patnesky, Jr.’s patents focus on practical methods for analyzing control-rod drive mechanisms and testing multiple control rods, contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of nuclear reactor systems.