Patent US3607629A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3607629A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drive mechanism for control elements
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1968-01-24
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Granted: 1971-09-21
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Expires: 1988-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A nuclear reactor is disclosed wherein hydraulic drive mechanisms are provided to vary the location of a plurality of neutron-absorbing control elements associated with selected fuel assemblies. Each fuel assembly comprises a fixed array of commingled and spaced fuel pins and guide tubes. Each selected assembly has a plurality of individually movable two-position control elements which are coupled to drive mechanisms which operate to telescope the control elements within their associated guide tubes.
Inventors
- 👤 Erling Frisch
- 👤 Harry N Andrews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:27
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C19/00; F; F15; F15B; F15B21/00; F15B21/08; G21C7/00; G21C7/06; G21C7/08; G21C7/12; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 1 wherein the means for individually supplying the conduits includes valve means connected between the variable source of pressure and each said conduit, and an individually operable actuating means for each said valve means whereby the pressure may be lowered to withdraw each of said control elements from the fuel assembly or raised to insert each of said control elements into the fuel assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
38 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 2 including electromagnetic means associated with each said piston at approximately the outward limit of its travel whereby each piston may be held at this position with utilizing the variable source of pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 3 including a second set of conduits within said pressure-bearing housing and situate parallel to said first set of conduits for conveying the variable pressure to said first set of conduits outward of said pistons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 4 including a support tube slidably engaging said pressure housing and having said electromagnetic means and said actuating means for said valve means mounted therein, a pressure-line-flow coupling said second set of conduits to said variable source of pressure, said pressure line being positioned in the pressure housing in such a manner as not to interfere with sliding movement of said support tube, whereby repair may be easily affected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 5 including a spring-biased pistonlike damping member within said first set of conduits and in proximity with the outward limit of travel of said pistons.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 6 additionally comprising an evacuation line communicably coupled to the outward extremity of said first set of conduits and communicably coupled to said pressure line whereby entrapped gases may be removed from the first set of conduits.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 1 wherein said control elements are movable to only two positions with respect to said guide tubes, said two positions being substantially fully inserted therein and substantially fully removed therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 1 including a pump coupled to said means for individually supplying said conduits for providing the variable pressure, and a high pressure source and valve means coupled to said last-mentioned means for supplying high pressure from said source to said other end of said conduits.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 3 including a direct-current source for energizing said electromagnetic means, and alternating-current source for superimposing an alternating signal on said electromagnetic means, and a detector magnetically coupled to said electromagnetic means for sensing whether the associated piston is being held whereby the position of the associated control element may be ascertained.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-20 | 1975-03-22 | 1975-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-20 | 1979-03-22 | 1979-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-20 | 1983-03-22 | 1983-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |