US3768668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism
Assignee: Combustion Engineering Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-17
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1991-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A novel fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism of a unitary construction. Mounted on the fuel lifting assembly of a refueling machine is a hudraulic control element assembly holding mechanism. A fuel bundle grapple mechanism passes through the fuel lifting assembly and is independently, vertically controllable with respect to the lifting assembly from a location on the refueling machine. Thus, the control element assembly and the fuel bundle may be gripped and manipulated independently, yet due to the interrelation of the grapple mechanisms, the control element assembly can be made to remain within the refueling machine lifting assembly during the refueling process.
Inventors
- 👤 G Schukei
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:56
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C19/00; G21C19/20; G21C19/02; G21C19/10; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A unitary fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism operable from a traveling refueling machine having a fuel lifting assembly, said handling mechanism comprising: a control element assembly holding means mounted on said fuel lifting assembly for selectively retaining a control element assembly therein; a fuel bundle grapple means passing through said fuel lifting assembly, said fuel bundle grapple means including a hood, a plurality of hollow vertical standards connected to and extending downwardly from said hood, a source of fluid pressure, a fluid circuit connecting said source to the interior of said standards, and a fluid actuated grappling means in fluid communication with said standards for selective engagement with a fuel bundle; and vertical adjusting means for independently controling the relative positioning of said fuel bundle grapple means with respect to said fuel lifting assembly, said vertical adjusting means being connected to said hood of said fuel bundle grapple means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A unitary fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism operable from a traveling refueling machine having a fuel lifting assembly, said handling mechanism comprising: a control element assembly holding means mounted on said fuel lifting assembly for selectively retaining a control element assembly therein; a fuel bundle grapple means passing through said fuel lifting assembly, said fuel bundle grapple means including a hood, a plurality of hollow vertical standards connected to and extending downwardly from said hood, a source of fluid pressure, a fluid circuit connecting said source to the interior of said standards, and a fluid actuated grappling means in fluid communication with said standards for selective engagement with a fuel bundle; and vertical adjusting means for independently controling the relative positioning of said fuel bundle grapple means with respect to said fuel lifting assembly, said vertical adjusting means being connected to said hood of said fuel bundle grapple means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grappling means includes a base, a plurality of cylinders located within said base, a double acting piston in each of said cylinders, and lifting means for selective positive engagement with a fuel bundle, said lifting means being connected to said pistons for selective actuation thereby.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said lifting means have anti-release means to prevent accidental disengagement of said lifting means from the fuel bundle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fuel bundle grapple means further includes guide means assuring proper positioning of the control element assembly and the fuel bundle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fuel bundle grapple means further includes stop means positioned on said vertical standards for engagement with said lifting means to prevent overtravel of said fuel bunDle grapple means with respect to said lifting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
182 words
In a refueling machine for a nuclear reactor having a traveling platform and a vertically adjustable fuel lifting assembly extending therefrom, said fuel lifting assembly including a top plate having a plurality of openings therethrough, a unitary fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism comprising: a first fluid actuated means for holding a control element assembly, said first fluid means being mounted on said fuel lifting assembly for movement therewith; a second fluid actuated means for gripping said fuel bundle, said second fluid means including a hood, a plurality of hollow vertical standards extending from said hood through said openings in said fuel lifting assembly top plate for movement relative thereto, a fuel bundle grapple means in fluid communication with said standards for selectively gripping a fuel bundle, and guide means located on said standards for assuring proper positioning between a control element assembly and a fuel bundle; and an independent hoist mechanism connected to said hood of said second fluid actuated means for controling the relative position of said second fluid actuated means with respect to said fuel lifting assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
182 words
In a refueling machine for a nuclear reactor having a traveling platform and a vertically adjustable fuel lifting assembly extending therefrom, said fuel lifting assembly including a top plate having a plurality of openings therethrough, a unitary fuel bundle and control element assembly handling mechanism comprising: a first fluid actuated means for holding a control element assembly, said first fluid means being mounted on said fuel lifting assembly for movement therewith; a second fluid actuated means for gripping said fuel bundle, said second fluid means including a hood, a plurality of hollow vertical standards extending from said hood through said openings in said fuel lifting assembly top plate for movement relative thereto, a fuel bundle grapple means in fluid communication with said standards for selectively gripping a fuel bundle, and guide means located on said standards for assuring proper positioning between a control element assembly and a fuel bundle; and an independent hoist mechanism connected to said hood of said second fluid actuated means for controling the relative position of said second fluid actuated means with respect to said fuel lifting assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said fuel bundle grapple means includes a base, a plurality of cylinders located within said base, a double acting piston in each of said cylinders and lifting means actuated by said pistons to effect positive engagement with a fuel bundle, said lifting means having anti-release lips to prevent accidental disengagement of said lifting means from the fuel bundle.
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) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |