Fuel assembly unlatching and handling gripper
US4647424A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1983 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refueling machine (100) is provided with a latching/unlatching rod (116) which is provided with a hexagonally configured head portion for mated engagement with a hexagonally configured socket (34) defined within a latching/unlatching screw (22) of a fuel assembly (10) whereby the fuel assembly (10) may be securely mechanically connected to the lower core support plate of the reactor internals. The latching/unlatching rod (116) is fixedly connected to a housing (118) which is co-axially disposed within a torque tube (140), the latter of which is fixedly secured to the lower end of a spur gear (130). The spur gear (130) is rotatably engaged with a drive spur gear (148) through means of an idler gear (128), whereby torque is transmitted to the torque tube (140). The torque tube (140) has a square-shaped configuration in cross-section, and the housing (118) has similarly configured flanged portion (144, 146) for cooperation therewith whereby rotary torque is transmitted to the housing (118) and the latching/unlatching rod ( 116). The housing (118), latching/unlatching rod (116), and torque tube (140) are all co-axially disposed within the refueling machine gripper tube (108) and oute…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.