US3667540A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heat removal system for nuclear fuel assemblies
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1968-09-03
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Granted: 1972-06-06
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Expires: 1988-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A system to remove heat from nuclear fuel assemblies is disclosed. Such heat removal system includes one or more units having a base and one or more plates extending outwardly therefrom, the units being adapted to fit in a nuclear fuel assembly when it is placed in a shipping cask. The plates of the heat removal device, which are formed of a heat conductive material, fit between the pins of the nuclear fuel assembly and convey heat from the assembly to the shipping cask, from whence it is removed to the atmosphere by conduction through the cask.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W Kupp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:13
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/06; G21F5/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A heat removal system for a nuclear fuel assembly comprising a container including an inside perimeter, a fuel assembly including at least one row of a plurality of substantially parallel fuel pin elements positioned within the container, a cooling unit including a base positioned in close proximity but not fastened to the inside perimeter of the container and further including at least one plate extending from the base to a position between the fuel pin elements, whereby heat from the fuel pin elements in proximity to the plate is absorbed by the plate and conveyed to the base, the base and plate being formed of a heat conductive material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A heat removal system for a nuclear fuel assembly comprising a container including an inside perimeter, a fuel assembly including at least one row of a plurality of substantially parallel fuel pin elements positioned within the container, a cooling unit including a base positioned in close proximity but not fastened to the inside perimeter of the container and further including at least one plate extending from the base to a position between the fuel pin elements, whereby heat from the fuel pin elements in proximity to the plate is absorbed by the plate and conveyed to the base, the base and plate being formed of a heat conductive material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the plates extending from the base are equal in length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the plates extending from the base are graduated in length, and at least four units are inserted into the fuel assembly from different directions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the plates extend to about the middle of the fuel assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the plates extend substantially through the fuel assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
156 words
A heat removal system for a nuclear fuel assembly, comprising a container having walls with inner faces that define the interior portion of the container, a fuel assembly having at least one row of a plurality of substantially parallel fuel pin elements positioned within the interior portion of the container, a cooling unit having a base with at least one plate extending therefrom to a position between the fuel pin elements, the base of the cooling unit being positioned in the interior portion of the container remote from at least one of the inner faces, and a portion of the base of the cooling unit being positioned in close proximity to another of the inner faces so that heat from the fuel pin elements in close proximity to the plate is absorbed by the plate and conveyed therethrough and through the base to the base portion that is in close proximity to the other inner face.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
156 words
A heat removal system for a nuclear fuel assembly, comprising a container having walls with inner faces that define the interior portion of the container, a fuel assembly having at least one row of a plurality of substantially parallel fuel pin elements positioned within the interior portion of the container, a cooling unit having a base with at least one plate extending therefrom to a position between the fuel pin elements, the base of the cooling unit being positioned in the interior portion of the container remote from at least one of the inner faces, and a portion of the base of the cooling unit being positioned in close proximity to another of the inner faces so that heat from the fuel pin elements in close proximity to the plate is absorbed by the plate and conveyed therethrough and through the base to the base portion that is in close proximity to the other inner face.
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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) | 1975-06-06 | 1975-12-06 | 1976-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-12-06 | 1980-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-06 | 1983-12-06 | 1984-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |