Lift-based up-ender and methods using same to manipulate a shipping container containing unirradiated nuclear fuel
US9721688B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66C13/08
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shipping container containing an unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly is lifted off the ground by operating a crane to raise a lifting tool comprising a winch. The lifting tool is connected with the shipping container by a rigging line connecting with the shipping container at a lifting point located on the shipping container between the top and bottom of the shipping container, and by winch cabling connecting with the shipping container at the top of the shipping container. The shipping container is reoriented by operating the winch to adjust the length of the winch cabling so as to rotate the shipping container about the lifting point. Shortening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, while lengthening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.