US3573462A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sealed container with pressure relief for hazardous material
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
•
Filing: 1969-02-04
•
Granted: 1971-04-06
•
Expires: 1989-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A sealed vessel for containing a hazardous liquid or a liquid shield for radioactive material is provided with fusible plug assemblies within the vessel walls for melting and relieving internal pressure on high temperature exposure without loss of unvaporized liquid. The fusible plug assemblies are designed such that only those fusible plugs contacting the vapor space above the liquid will melt and are arranged such that at least one fusible plug will contact the vapor space regardless of container orientation.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A Wilkins
- 👤 Franklin D R King
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:09
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
The sealed vessel of claim 1 wherein said vessel has longitudinally extending side cylindrical walls, and said fusible plug assemblies are equally spaced around the perimeters of said side cylindrical walls at oppoSite longitudinal end portions of said vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
A container for radioactive material comprising: a. a housing having internal walls defining an internal chamber adapted to contain a liquid for shielding said radioactive material and a vapor space above said liquid; b. structural means disposed within said chamber for supporting radioactive material; c. a plurality of fusible plug assemblies penetrating said walls to communicate with said internal chamber, said fusible plug assemblies arranged in spaced relationship about said housing walls, at least one of said fusible plug assemblies being in contact with said vapor space and the remainder of said fusible plug assemblies being in contact with said liquid regardless of the orientation of said vessel; and d. fusible plugs having a melting point above the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure sealingly disposed in said fusible plug assemblies at locations within said internal chamber in spaced relationship to the internal walls of said housing, said plugs being capable of preferentially melting at elevated temperature when in contact with said vapor space to vent said internal chamber without loss of unvaporized liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The container of claim 3 wherein said fusible plug assemblies comprises: a. socket members affixed to the internal walls of said housing; b. tubular members inwardly penetrating said vessel walls and removably fastened into said socket members; and c. fusible plugs sealingly disposed in said tubular members in inwardly spaced relationship from said internal walls of said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The container of claim 4 wherein baffles are disposed within said tubular members at locations outside said fusible plugs to shade said plugs from external radiant heat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The container of claim 4 wherein said socket members have wall sections of increased thickness between said radioactive material and said tubular members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The container of claim 4 wherein said fusible plugs consist essentially of an eutectic alloy composition of about 38 percent lead and about 62 percent tin by weight.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2633284A
Cited
US3466444A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-05 | 1974-10-05 | 1975-04-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-05 | 1978-10-05 | 1979-04-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-05 | 1982-10-05 | 1983-04-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |