US3771499A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steam generator cradle support
Assignee: Combustion Engineering Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-30
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1991-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Means for laterally supporting a nuclear steam generator against the effect of seismic loadings or other shock loadings imparted by external or internal causes are disclosed. Support is provided by means of a stiffening structure incorporating a shock suppressor apparatus which operates through the lever arm of a mechanical linkage. The apparatus is designed to permit unrestrained lateral movements caused by thermal growth of the equipment, but undesired lateral loadings, such as those caused by earth tremors or equipment failure, automatically render the apparatus operative to support the steam generator against these loadings.
Inventors
- 👤 M Marroni
- 👤 D Peck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:04
CPC Classifications
F; F22; F22B; F22B37/00; F22B37/02; F22B37/24; F22B37/246; F22B37/248; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S248/00; Y10S248/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
In a nuclear power plant, the combination comprising: a. a vertically disposed pressure vessel defining a vapor generator subject to thermally induced contraction, expansion and translatory movement; b. containment structure surrounding said pressure vessel in spaced relation thereto: c. means for bottom supporting said vessel and d. means for laterally supporting said vessel against excessive shock loadings comprising: i. a lever arm pivotally mounted to said containment structure. ii. a connecting link attaching said vapor generator to said lever arm, and iii. shock suppressor mechanism connected between said lever arm and said containment structure, the point of connection of said shock suppressor mechanism to said lever arm being spaced a greater distance from said lever arm pivot mounting than the point of connection of said connecting link.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
In a nuclear power plant, the combination comprising: a. a vertically disposed pressure vessel defining a vapor generator subject to thermally induced contraction, expansion and translatory movement; b. containment structure surrounding said pressure vessel in spaced relation thereto: c. means for bottom supporting said vessel and d. means for laterally supporting said vessel against excessive shock loadings comprising: i. a lever arm pivotally mounted to said containment structure. ii. a connecting link attaching said vapor generator to said lever arm, and iii. shock suppressor mechanism connected between said lever arm and said containment structure, the point of connection of said shock suppressor mechanism to said lever arm being spaced a greater distance from said lever arm pivot mounting than the point of connection of said connecting link.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said connecting link is pin connected at its opposite ends to said pressure vessel and to said lever arm respectively, the connection of said pins being such as to permit relative angular movement between said connecting link and the said members to which it is connected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the connection of said link to the respective members includes a spherical bearing having its inner race mounted on the connecting pin and the outer race secured to the associated member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said shock suppressor mechanism comprises an expandable connection between said containment structure and said lever arm, and further including: a. means permitting substantially unimpeded expansion and contraction of said expandable connection during periods of normal thermally induced movement of said pressure vessel; and b. means rendering said expandable connection rigid upon application of a predetermined shock loading to said vapor generator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
124 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said shock suppressor mechanism comprises: a. a fluid operated piston-cylinder set connected between said lever arm and said containment structure; b. a pair of lines for conducting operating fluid to and from the cylinder of said set on opposite sides of the piston thereof; c. a control valve interconnecting said lines including a through passage to the ends of which said lines are attached; and d. poppet valves in said control valve operative with resPect to each of said lines to permit the substantially unobstructed through flow of operating fluid during periods of normal plant operation and to effect rapid filling of said cylinder with operating fluid upon the occurrence of excessive shock loads upon said vessel.
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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |