US3733760A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reactor vessel
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1970-03-05
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1990-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A concrete pressure containment vessel for a nuclear reactor is described wherein an access opening therein is sealed by a closure member. A plurality of tendons extend generally parallel with the axis of the access opening and are distributed about the access opening and pass entirely through the main portion of the pressure vessel and also through the closure member. The tendons are placed under tension to secure and seal the closure member in place and to prestress the remainder of the pressure vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 R Koerner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 12:19
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C1/00; G21C1/32; G21C1/326; G21C13/00; G21C13/02; G21C13/06; G21C13/073; G21C13/08; G21C13/093; G21C13/0933; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A pressurized concrete reactor vessel comprising, a main vessel portion defining at least one internal chamber and having at least one opening communicating with said chamber, a plurality of tendons distributed about said chamber and said opening and passing completely through said main vessel portion adjacent said chamber and said opening, a closure member positioned over said opening and engaging said main vessel portion around the periphery of said opening, an annular seal disposed surrounding said opening between said closure member and said main vessel portion, said plurality of reinforcing tendons passing through said closure member, and means for placing said tendons under tension to force said closure member toward said main vessel portion to seal said opening, thereby placing said closure member and said main vessel portion in compression along said tendons.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A pressurized concrete reactor vessel comprising, a main vessel portion defining at least one internal chamber and having at least one opening communicating with said chamber, a plurality of tendons distributed about said chamber and said opening and passing completely through said main vessel portion adjacent said chamber and said opening, a closure member positioned over said opening and engaging said main vessel portion around the periphery of said opening, an annular seal disposed surrounding said opening between said closure member and said main vessel portion, said plurality of reinforcing tendons passing through said closure member, and means for placing said tendons under tension to force said closure member toward said main vessel portion to seal said opening, thereby placing said closure member and said main vessel portion in compression along said tendons.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A reactor vessel according to claim 1 wherein said main vessel portion is generally cylindrical, and wherein means are provided for prestressing said reactor vessel with a further plurality of circumferential prestressing tendons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A reactor vessel according to claim 1 wherein said opening is circular, wherein said plug is of circular cross section, and wherein said tendons are arrayed circularly around the periphery of said plug extending approximately parallel with the axes of said plug and said opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A reactor vessel according to claim 1 wherein said seal comprises a plurality of concentric rings of a material capable of deforming when said tendons are tightened.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A reactor vessel according to claim 1 wherein said chamber is for containing means for operating on a fluid, and wherein said closure member includes an opening therein for passing fluid therethrough.
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) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |