ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 16 -- United States Patent no. 12,669,287, issued on June 30, was assigned to X-Energy LLC (Rockville, Md.).
"Molybdenum-lined crucible" was invented by Nick Lineen (Knoxville, Tenn.).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A crucible used for forming ceramic particles from metal oxide gel particles includes a tubular graphite housing having an open end, an inner surface, and a seat in the inner surface near the open end. A sleeve lines the inner surface of the tubular housing. The sleeve has at an open end and is formed from a metal which is chemically inert to the metal oxide gel particles. A graphite outer cap removably covers the open end of the tubular housing. An inner cap f...