US3775245A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for locating a fuel assembly can failure in a nuclear reactor
Assignee: —
•
Filing: 1971-09-21
•
Granted: 1973-11-27
•
Expires: 1991-09-21
Abstract
Abstract The device comprises a plate for the distribution of tubes which serve to sample the coolant within all the fuel assemblies, a first selector which is mounted above the distribution plate and traversed by ducts for providing a communication between a number of sampling tubes and a second selector which is mounted above the first selector. The ducts are connected either individually or simultaneously to a measuring apparatus by means of the second selector. Both selectors are supported by a removable neutron shield plug.
Inventors
No inventors recorded.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:40
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C17/00; G21C17/02; G21C17/04; G21C17/042; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A device for detecting and locating a fuel can failure, comprising flow path means for circulating coolant past a plurality of fuel cans, the flow path means including a separate first flow path leading from each of the fuel cans, the ends of the first flow paths being arranged in more than one definable configuration, first selector means, second selector means, and a measuring unit, the first selector means including first communicating means for selectively communicating one of the first flow paths in each configuration to the second selector means and all of the first flow paths in all of the configurations to the second selector means, the second selector means including second communicating means for selectively communicating all of the first flow paths communicated by the first selector means to the measuring unit and one of the first flow paths communicated by the first selector means to the measuring unit.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A device for detecting and locating a fuel can failure, comprising flow path means for circulating coolant past a plurality of fuel cans, the flow path means including a separate first flow path leading from each of the fuel cans, the ends of the first flow paths being arranged in more than one definable configuration, first selector means, second selector means, and a measuring unit, the first selector means including first communicating means for selectively communicating one of the first flow paths in each configuration to the second selector means and all of the first flow paths in all of the configurations to the second selector means, the second selector means including second communicating means for selectively communicating all of the first flow paths communicated by the first selector means to the measuring unit and one of the first flow paths communicated by the first selector means to the measuring unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device in claim 1, wherein the first selector means includes a casing communicating with all of the first flow paths, and a second flow path for each configuration, one end of each of the second flow paths being connected to the casing and the other end being included in its respective configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device in claim 2, wherein the ends of the first and second flow paths are arranged in a plurality of concentric circles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
74 words
The device in claim 3, wherein the first selector means includes a member rotatably movable about the commom center of the circles, the member including a passageway for each circle, the passageways being positioned and dimensioned so that one end of each passageway cooperates with the end of the flow path in its respective circle for communicating one flow path at a time with the second selector means, and means for moving the member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device in claim 4, wherein the ends of the first and second flow paths are arranged in three concentric circles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device in claim 5, wherein the member includes three arms, each arm projecting to a separate circle, one of the passageways located in each arm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
The device in claim 6, wherein the ends of the passageways that communicate with the flow paths are spaced apart 120* from each other, and the second flow paths are spaced apart 120* from each other, so that the passageways can communicate simultaneously with the second flow paths for enabling coolant to flow from all of the first flow paths simultaneously to the second selector when the member is stationary.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
118 words
The device in claim 4, wherein the second selector means includes a member having a plurality of openings therein cooperating with the other ends of the passageways, the openings permitting coolant to flow to the measuring unit when communicating with a passageway, a first set of said openings positioned and dimensioned to communicate all the passageways simultaneously with the measuring unit when the member is in the first position, and a second set of said openings positioned and dimensioned to communicate the passageways one at a time with the measuring unit when the member is moved from the first position to a number of said positions corresponding to the number of configurations, and means for moving the member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device in claim 8, wherein the other ends of the passageways are arranged in a circle, and the member includes a plate rotatably movable about the center of said circle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 9, wherein there are three passageways.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device in claim 10, wherein the other ends of the passageways are spaced apart 120* from each other, the openings in said first set are spaced apart 120* from each other, and the openings in the second set are staggered between the openings in the first set.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device in claim 1, further comprising a ratchet wheel, two jacks for driving the ratchet wheel, each jack having a different range of travel, and means for selectively connecting the ratchet wheel to the first and second selector means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device in claim 12, wherein the means for selectively connecting includes means for lifting each selector means so that each selector means can be disengaged from its support and coupled with the ratchet wheel.
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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |