Top support lock
US4895697A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
To allow manipulation of the fuel assemblies in a nuclear reactor, the assemblies are provided with a lifting handle at the upper end. A top support is provided at the lifting end of the fuel assembly to determine the spacing. An upper end portion of the fuel channel for the fuel assemblies surrounds a lifting plate or the like for the fuel rods, where the lifting plate and handle together may form a lifting member cast in one piece. To simplify manipulation of the fuel assemblies during fuel inspection, for instance, and reduce the risk of losing small parts, a top support lock (1) for the top support (2) has been constructed in the handle (3). When assembling the top support (2), the top support lock (1) is moved to its open position and the angle-piece ends (5) are inserted through recesses (8) in the fuel channel (7) up to the openings (4) in the handle (3). When the angle-piece ends (5) of the top support are in place, the holes (6) in the angle-piece ends will be immediately opposite the holes (4) in the handle (3) and the top support lock (1) is moved to its closing position by a spring (13). With a good fit between the top support and the openings in the fuel channel and in…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.