US3604100A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods of inserting rods into a frame
Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
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Filing: 1968-08-19
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Granted: 1971-09-14
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Expires: 1988-08-19
Abstract
Abstract To insert a parallel array of nuclear fuel pins into a wrapper containing transverse grids for locating the pins, the wrapper is first filled with pilot rods of reduced diameter and having tapered leading ends to allow easy passage through the grids. Next the recessed rear ends of the pilot pins are engaged by the front ends of the fuel pins and the latter thrust into the wrapper so that they displace the pilot rods. Successive rows of fuel pins are thrust into the wrapper by apparatus comprising a plurality of resiliently mounted, grooved roller pairs which locate a row of fuel pins between them, the rear ends of the pins being engaged by a thrust-head which passes between the rollers of each pair.
Inventors
- 👤 John Basil Tindale
- 👤 James Henry Burgess
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:40
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/334; G21C21/00; G21C21/02; G21C21/08; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49838; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53696
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of inserting a plurality of rods into a frame which includes grids for locating said rods to form a parallel array thereof, comprising firstly inserting into said frame a corresponding plurality of pilot rods, each pilot rod having a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to said firstmentioned rods to allow easy passage through said grids and having a read end adapted to engage the front end of a said first-mentioned rod, and secondly engaging the rear ends of said pilot rods with the front ends of said first-mentioned rods and thrusting said first-mentioned rods into the frame so that each first-mentioned rod displaces a said pilot rod in the array.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of inserting a plurality of rods into a frame which includes grids for locating said rods to form a parallel array thereof, comprising firstly inserting into said frame a corresponding plurality of pilot rods, each pilot rod having a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to said firstmentioned rods to allow easy passage through said grids and having a read end adapted to engage the front end of a said first-mentioned rod, and secondly engaging the rear ends of said pilot rods with the front ends of said first-mentioned rods and thrusting said first-mentioned rods into the frame so that each first-mentioned rod displaces a said pilot rod in the array.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rear ends of said pilot rods are recessed to engage the front ends of said first-mentioned rods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the leading ends of said pilot rods are tapered.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first-mentioned rods are thrust into the frame in simultaneous groups corresponding to rows of rods in the array.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first-mentioned rods are nuclear reactor fuel pins.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US1942459A
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US2287287A
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US3163582A
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US3104218A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-13 | 1975-03-15 | 1975-09-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-13 | 1979-03-15 | 1979-09-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-13 | 1983-03-15 | 1983-09-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |