Patent · US Expired

Multi-lift tool and method for moving control rods in a nuclear reactor

US6047037A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
3References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 19, 1997
Grant dateApr 4, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 19, 2017

Classification

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

Abstract

A multi-lift tool and method for moving control rod assemblies in a nuclear reactor. The multi-lift tool comprises a frame having an upper end and a lower end. A control rod grapple is supported by the frame for engaging a lifting handle of a control rod. The control rod grapple is movable along a length of the frame for raising and lowering the control rod relative to the frame. A fuel support piece grapple is secured to the lower end of the frame for engaging and lifting a fuel support piece together with the control rod. A blade guide grapple is secured to the upper end of the frame for engaging and lifting a blade guide together with the fuel support piece and the control rod. An unlatching grapple is supported near the lower end of the frame for engaging and lifting an unlatching handle of the control rod. The unlatching grapple is movable along a length of a lower portion of the frame for raising the unlatching handle of the control rod relative to the frame. The fuel support piece grapple has a pair of tapered members with movable latches for inserting into respective first and second holes of the fuel support piece. The multi-lift tool according to the present invention com…

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