Kenneth J Swidwa

Title: Innovations of Kenneth J. Swidwa

Introduction

Kenneth J. Swidwa is a notable inventor based in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, with a remarkable portfolio of 11 patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in welding technology and nuclear reactor refueling systems. Swidwa's innovative contributions have significantly impacted the fields of engineering and safety in nuclear applications.

Latest Patents

One of Swidwa's latest patents is an "Apparatus and method for real-time evaluation of laser welds." This invention allows for the evaluation of welds made by pulses of laser energy by analyzing the light emitted from the weld site during the application of the laser pulses. The emitted light is compared with base pulses generated from a good weld, enabling the calculation of parameters such as heat-up rate and peak temperature, which are crucial for determining weld quality. This technology is particularly useful in confined spaces, such as heat exchange tubes in pressurized water reactor (PWR) steam generators. A single optic fiber is utilized to deliver the laser energy pulses to the weld site and transmit light back to a splitter, which diverts it to detectors for conversion into electrical signals used to generate a graphical display.

Another significant patent is the "Television alignment of mast assembly in refueling of nuclear reactor." This invention involves a refueling apparatus for a nuclear reactor, which includes a bridge and a trolley. The bridge is movable along tracks within the containment pit of the reactor, while the trolley moves at right angles on the bridge. The trolley carries a mast assembly designed to engage, raise, and lower nuclear-reactor component assemblies during refueling. The mast features an elongated member for engaging control-rod and thimble plug assemblies, along with a gripper for raising fuel assemblies. A TV camera and a light source are mounted on the gripper assembly to illuminate and capture images of selected parts of the fuel assembly, enhancing the precision of the refueling process.

Career Highlights

Swidwa's career is marked by his tenure at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he has made significant contributions to the field of nuclear engineering. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to improving safety and efficiency in nuclear operations.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kenneth J. Swidwa has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Leonard P. Hornak and Robert B. Salton. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that has led to groundbreaking advancements in