Patent · US Expired

Nuclear reactor camera mast assembly and loading guide

US5737377A · kind A · utility

4Cited by
12References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 5, 1996
Grant dateApr 7, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 5, 2016

Classification

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

Abstract

A camera mast system permits remote inspection of nuclear fuel assemblies and other components of nuclear reactors. The system includes a camera mast assembly mounted on a refueling mast which may be positioned over a selected fuel assembly in the reactor core. An extendable camera mast having a camera mounted thereon moves vertically with respect to a stationary camera mast and the refueling mast in order to allow for visual inspection of various components in the reactor core. The camera mast assembly preferably includes a video cable take-up mechanism for handling the camera video cable as the extendable camera mast is moved up and down. The camera mast assembly is preferably removably mounted on the refueling mast in order to aid in installation and removal. The removable mounting also allows the camera mast assembly to be used independently of the refueling mast. The camera mast assembly may optionally include an extendable fuel assembly guide mast including a guide member which facilitates placement of fuel assemblies within the reactor core. The extendable guide mast is preferably rotatably mounted on the refueling mast. In another embodiment, a guide mast assembly is mounte…

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