US3755077A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear fuel assembly
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1970-09-14
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Granted: 1973-08-28
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Expires: 1990-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A fastening system for retaining a compact bundle of fuel pins longitudinally in the fluid coolant guide shroud of a nuclear fuel assembly comprises two parallel rods attached transversely to a tube retained by the shroud and contained therein, parallel rails which slide on the rods and split tubes which each slide on a rail and slide thereon and in the plugs of the fuel pins of a same layer to retain the pins on the rail. The guide members are retained by the shroud.
Inventors
- 👤 J Agranier
- 👤 A Chalony
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:56
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/33; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/06; G21C3/12; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A nuclear fuel assembly comprising a fluid coolant guide shroud, a bundle of parallel elongated fuel pins arranged in regular array in said shroud, and means for retaining said pins in said shroud, comprising the following: a tube having a sliding fit in and secured to said shroud; at least two parallel rods extending transversely of and secured at their ends to said tube; parallel rails slidable and transversely mounted on said rods and extending beyond a terminal edge of said tube; a guide member slidably mounted on each of said rails and an end plug for each of said fuel pins slidably mounted on the adjacent one of said guide members forming a single layer of said bundle to retain said pins on said rail, said guide members being retained by said shroud on said rails.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A nuclear fuel assembly comprising a fluid coolant guide shroud, a bundle of parallel elongated fuel pins arranged in regular array in said shroud, and means for retaining said pins in said shroud, comprising the following: a tube having a sliding fit in and secured to said shroud; at least two parallel rods extending transversely of and secured at their ends to said tube; parallel rails slidable and transversely mounted on said rods and extending beyond a terminal edge of said tube; a guide member slidably mounted on each of said rails and an end plug for each of said fuel pins slidably mounted on the adjacent one of said guide members forming a single layer of said bundle to retain said pins on said rail, said guide members being retained by said shroud on said rails.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fuel assembly as set forth in claim 1, said guide member being a split tube, a semi-cylindrical passage in each of said end plugs slidably receiving said tube, and a narrowed portion, on each of said rails receiving an edge of the split of the corresponding one of said tubes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein each rod has a cylindrical portion on which said rails slide, a head comprising a flared surface bearing against an opening in said tube of matching shape, and an end portion riveted into said opening in said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fuel assembly as set forth in claim 1, including apertures in said rails receiving said rods and of larger diameter than that of said rods, whereby said rails can tilt with respect to said rods.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
A fuel assembly as set forth in claim 1, said shroud being a tubular prismatic sheath, an end portion for said sheath through which the coolant enters, said shroud and said tube being welded to said end portion, said tube containing a second bundle of fuel pins of fertile material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1976-08-27 | 1977-02-26 | 1977-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-27 | 1981-02-26 | 1981-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-27 | 1985-02-26 | 1985-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |