US3708393A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radial restraint mechanism for reactor core
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
•
Filing: 1970-12-01
•
Granted: 1973-01-02
•
Expires: 1990-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A system of laterally supporting fuel assemblies for a fast reactor in a tight-packed array during operation of the reactor includes mechanical linkages operated through concentric operating shafts by motors located at the top of the reactor enclosure to force pressure bars against the sides of the array of fuel and reflector assemblies in the reactor at several vertical locations and at six locations around the reactor. Provision is made within the mechanical linkage to allow for expansion of the reactor core due to thermal transients and to compensate for variations in applied load due to radiation induced creep and stainless steel swelling.
Inventors
- 👤 G Waymire
- 👤 J Lubeck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:06
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C5/00; G21C5/02; G21C5/08; G21C1/00; G21C1/02; G21C11/00; G21C11/02; G21C11/022; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A system for laterally supporting fuel assemblies for a fast reactor in a tight-packed array during operation of the reactor comprising a plurality of yokes distributed uniformly around the reactor at several vertical locations, said yokes being shaped to conform to the outer configuration of the reactor and being wide enough to bear on a plurality of reflector assemblies which surround said fuel assemblies, and means for releasably forcing said yokes toward the center of the reactor comprising a pair of pressure bars riding in sleeves each containing a captive Belleville washer system, which bars apply pressure to opposite ends of the yoke, a plurality of concentric actuating shafts, a plurality of linkages providing right angle motion from the concentric shafts to the pressure bars, and means for raising and lowering said concentric shafts to releasably force the yoke against the reflector elements.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
143 words
A system for laterally supporting fuel assemblies for a fast reactor in a tight-packed array during operation of the reactor comprising a plurality of yokes distributed uniformly around the reactor at several vertical locations, said yokes being shaped to conform to the outer configuration of the reactor and being wide enough to bear on a plurality of reflector assemblies which surround said fuel assemblies, and means for releasably forcing said yokes toward the center of the reactor comprising a pair of pressure bars riding in sleeves each containing a captive Belleville washer system, which bars apply pressure to opposite ends of the yoke, a plurality of concentric actuating shafts, a plurality of linkages providing right angle motion from the concentric shafts to the pressure bars, and means for raising and lowering said concentric shafts to releasably force the yoke against the reflector elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said yokes are disposed at locations just below the active portion of the reactor, just above the active portion of the reactor and near the top of the reflector assemblies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
99 words
A system according to claim 2 wherein said yoke comprises a vertical pressure member which applies pressure to the reflector assemblies, a trailing base plate which provides rigidity to the structure and vertical side pieces provided with projecting, outwardly facing horizontal ribs serving as the tongue of a tongue-and-tongue member and including a pressure bar slide comprising a pair of vertical guide members each containing a horizontal inwardly facing groove with which said ribs are engaged to form said tongue-and groove member, an inwardly turned ledge above said tongue-and-groove member and a base plate joining said vertical guide members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |