US3713975A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor fuel element
Assignee: NL Industries Inc
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Filing: 1969-12-02
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Granted: 1973-01-30
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Expires: 1989-12-02
Abstract
Abstract A nuclear reactor fuel element includes a tube having end plugs sealing the ends thereof. A body of nuclear fuel is disposed in part of the tube and defines a plenum chamber adjacent one of the end plugs. A plenum compression spring has one end in engagement with a flat disc-like member which engages the body of nuclear fuel. The opposite end of the plenum spring is in engagement with a flat surface formed on a spring seat means including a substantially conical portion which has single point contact with the central part of the inner surface of the adjacent end plug.
Inventors
- 👤 A Katell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:20
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/16; G21C3/18; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A nuclear reactor fuel element comprising a tube, an end plug sealing each end of said tube, a body of nuclear fuel disposed in part of said tube and defining a plenum chamber within said tube adjacent one of said end plugs, a plenum compression spring in said plenum chamber and extending between said body of nuclear fuel and said one end plug, said one end plug having an inner surface, and separate spring seat means interposed between and engaging one end of said spring and said inner surface of said one end plug, said spring seat means including a tapered substantially conical portion having only a single point contact with the central part of said inner surface of said one end plug.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A nuclear reactor fuel element comprising a tube, an end plug sealing each end of said tube, a body of nuclear fuel disposed in part of said tube and defining a plenum chamber within said tube adjacent one of said end plugs, a plenum compression spring in said plenum chamber and extending between said body of nuclear fuel and said one end plug, said one end plug having an inner surface, and separate spring seat means interposed between and engaging one end of said spring and said inner surface of said one end plug, said spring seat means including a tapered substantially conical portion having only a single point contact with the central part of said inner surface of said one end plug.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
A nuclear reactor fuel element comprising a tube, an end plug sealing each end of said tube, a body of nuclear fuel disposed in part of said tube and defining a plenum chamber within said tube adjacent one of said end plugs, a plenum compression spring in said plenum chamber and extending between said body of nuclear fuel and said one end plug, said one end plug having an inner surface, and separate spring seat means interposed between and engaging one end of said spring and said inner surface of said one end plug, said spring seat means including a tapered substantially conical portion having only a single point contact with the central part of said inner surface of said one end plug.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
A nuclear reactor fuel element comprising a tube, an end plug sealing each end of said tube, a body of nuclear fuel disposed in part of said tube and defining a plenum chamber within said tube adjacent one of said end plugs, a plenum compression spring in said plenum chamber and extending between said body of nuclear fuel and said one end plug, said one end plug having an inner surface, and separate spring seat means interposed between and engaging one end of said spring and said inner surface of said one end plug, said spring seat means including a tapered substantially conical portion having only a single point contact with the central part of said inner surface of said one end plug.
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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) | 1976-01-30 | 1976-07-31 | 1977-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-30 | 1980-07-31 | 1981-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-30 | 1984-07-31 | 1985-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |