Patent US3654077A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3654077A
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Nuclear reactor fuel element spacer
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1969-02-17
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Granted: 1972-04-04
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Expires: 1989-02-17
Abstract
Abstract This describes a spacer for resiliently retaining the elongated fuel rods of a nuclear reactor in spaced relation. The spacer comprises a peripheral support band and dividers therein forming an "egg-crate" configuration of fuel rod passage from a corner thereof. The spacer is designed to minimize the contact area of the fuel rod with the spacer, to minimize distortion and restriction of coolant flow and to minimize the amount of spacer and retainer spring material. One embodiment is especially designed for fabrication from low neutron absorption material, such as Zirconium alloys and for the automated production thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 James L Lass
- 👤 Wilfred T Ross
- 👤 Dominic A Venier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:47
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/34; G21C3/3416; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0
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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) | 1975-04-04 | 1975-10-04 | 1976-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-04 | 1979-10-04 | 1980-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-04 | 1983-10-04 | 1984-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |