Patent US3769159A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3769159A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Fuel element grid support for nuclear reactor
Assignee: Combustion Engineering Inc
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Filing: 1968-06-24
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Granted: 1973-10-30
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Expires: 1988-06-24
Abstract
Abstract A support grid for the fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor. The grid being generally of the egg crate type of construction with the crossed grid plates being of a material having a low neutron absorption cross-section (Zircaloy). Springs to prevent fuel element movement are secured to these grid plates with the springs being of a high nickle alloy steel such that their load carrying capability resulting from stress relaxation during operation of the reactor is greater than would be the case if fabricated of the material of the grid plates.
Inventors
- 👤 W Zinn
- 👤 H Lichtenberger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:07
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/34; G21C3/356; G21C3/3566; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
38 words
The fuel assembly grid of claim 1 wherein the upset portion extends into the adjacent compartment and is so disposed as to engage the fuel element when disposed therein and retain it is spaced relation with the plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fuel assembly grid of claim 2 wherein the grid plates are of one of the Zircaloy alloys and the spring members are of a high nickel alloy steel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
A fuel assembly grid of claim 1 wherein each oF the springs comprises an elongated support portion which has two longitudinally spaced laterally extending regions that are received in complimentary holes in the grid plates and are upset sufficiently to prevent removal therefrom, a U-shaped portion extending from the support portion and being reversely bent to provide a U-shaped profile generally parallel with the grid plate which the spring member overlies and is secured to.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The fuel assembly of claim 4 wherein the two spaced upset portions are in a plane parallel with the axis to the associated compartment and vertically one above the other when the compartment axis is vertical, such that they will both contact the fuel element received in the compartment into which they extend.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
An egg crate guide assembly including guide plates of a material of one of the Zircaloy alloys, and spring members of a material of a higher load carrying capability after relaxation as a result of being subjected to radiation and a higher initial stress than said Zircaloy alloys, said spring members being effective to firmly hold fuel elements in the compartments of the assembly, said members being secured to said plates by having a portion extending through an opening in the plate, said portion being deformed to prevent removal and said portion extending into the adjacent compartment to maintain the fuel element spaced from the plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The egg crate guide assembly of claim 6 wherein said spring members are made of a high nickel alloy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
92 words
The egg crate guide assembly of claim 7 wherein the spring members comprise an elongated support portion and a U-shaped spring portion extending laterally therefrom and being reversely bent so as to provide a fuel element engaging region that is parallel with the grid plate, said support portion having a plurality of longitudinally spaced laterally extending regions, said plates having complimentary openings provided therein for receipt of these regions, said regions being generally in a plane parallel with the axis of the fuel element to be received in the fuel element compartments.
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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) | 1976-10-29 | 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 |