Patent · US Expired

Refueling machine mounted fuel assembly inspection T.V. cameras

US4643867A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
15References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 21, 1983
Grant dateFeb 17, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 21, 2003

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A refueling machine (10, 100) within a nuclear reactor facility includes an outer stationary mast (12, 112) upon which are mounted a plurality of light sources (28, 128), inclined mirrors (36, 136), and television cameras (24, 124) for scanning a fuel assembly (32) for the existence of any defects or damage as the fuel assembly (32) is being withdrawn from the reactor core into the stationary mast (12, 112). In a first embodiment, the light sources (28), mirrors (36), and cameras (24) are mounted upon a sleeve (14) clamped about the lower end of the stationary mast (12), while in a second embodiment, the light sources (128), mirrors (136), and cameras (124) are mounted upon a basket-type framework (178) which is suspendingly supported upon the stationary mast (112) by support cables (158). A fixture (176) can support the framework (178) in an off-the-mast mode so as to permit remote-controlled maintenance or repair of the light sources ( 128), mirrors (136), or cameras (124). The mirrors (36, 136) may be eliminated and the light sources re-oriented so as to illuminate the reactor core and thereby facilitate the insertion of a fuel assembly (32) within the reactor core. Television m…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.