Method of field replacement of an electrical connector for nuclear reactor instrumentation
US5301213A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/48
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The method of repairing in situ a damaged or malfunctioning electrical connector (10) of a safety related nuclear reactor instrument (14) and its associated sheathed cable (18) wherein the damaged or malfunctioning connector portion (20) is cut from its associated cable (18) and replaced by a new connector portion. The wires of the cut cable are connected with the replacement connector portion and are suitably insulated. The cut cable and new connector portion are then secured together by a special alloy coupling (34) which is positioned in spanning relation with the cut cable (18) and the replacement connector portion (20). This special alloy has the property that it can be expanded within limits and upon being heated above a critical temperature will return to its original dimension. The tubular coupling accordingly has an expanded diameter slightly larger than that of the replacement connector portion and the sheath of the cut cable but an original inner diameter slightly smaller. When positioned in its spanning relation with these members it is heated above its critical temperature such that it shrinks to its original shape and securely grips these members. This special alloy c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.