US3627634A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor core clamping system
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1968-11-26
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Granted: 1971-12-14
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Expires: 1988-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A system for tightly clamping together the core components of a nuclear reactor is disclosed. A typical core is made up of a plurality of subassemblies each contained in an elongated shroud having a hexagonal cross section. Each of the outer ring of subassemblies includes ram means adapted to be pushed outwardly against a fixed ring which surrounds the core. This causes this outer ring, or edge plate of subassemblies to press inwardly on the core, tightly clamping the overall assembly together, preventing shifting during reactor operation and the resulting undesirable reactivity changes.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph W Guenther
- 👤 Ned P Hansen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:08
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C1/00; G21C1/04; G21C1/06; G21C1/08; G21C5/00; G21C5/02; G21C5/08; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
In a nuclear reactor according to claim 1 wherein two fixed edge plates surround said core adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof and each clamp assembly includes a pair of rams cooperating with said two rings, said torque rod adapted to press said rams against said rings while reaction forces press said clamp assembly and shroud inwardly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a nuclear reactor according to claim 1 wherein said latch means includes a splined sleeve in engagement with a spline on said torque rod, said splined sleeve including laterally extending means in contact with said clamp assembly preventing rotation of said torque rod to lock torque therein, said latch including means permitting said spline to be disengaged while torque is being introduced into said torque rod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a nuclear reactor according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of rods comprising a neutron-reflecting material are included in said shroud at least partically surrounding said torque rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
In a nuclear reactor according to claim 1 further including means permitting a cooling fluid to pass through said shroud in heat exchange contact with said torque rod and other means within said shroud.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3206374A
Cited
US3215608A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-13 | 1975-06-14 | 1975-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-13 | 1979-06-14 | 1979-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-13 | 1983-06-14 | 1983-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |