Retention strap in a grid assembly fixture
US4709909A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1985 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved retention strap for maintaining a fuel assembly grid in an assembled condition during manufacture in a grid assembly fixture includes four members extendible along the respective outer grid straps, between the corners and about the periphery of the grid. Each member has a pair of end posts and a cross member extending between and connected with the end posts. The end posts of the members are disposed adjacent the respective corners of the grid when the grid is in the assembled condition. Pairs of brackets interconnect respective ones of the end posts of the members, whereas pairs of releasable connectors fasten respective others of the end posts of the members so as to form diagonally opposite pairs of substantially rigidly squared first fixed and second openable corners. Also, the retention strap includes a pair of clamps disposed at each of the fixed and openable corners formed by the end posts. The clamps are engagable with a selected one of the end portions of the outer grid straps forming the respective grid corner disposed adjacent one of the squared corners of the retention strap. The outer grid strap end portion selected is the one having a terminal edge definin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.