US3778348A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear fuel element with axially aligned fuel pellets and fuel microspheres therein
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1972-07-03
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1992-07-03
Abstract
Abstract ELONGATED SINGLE- AND MULTI-REGION FUEL ELEMENTS ARE PREPARED BY REPLACING WITHIN A CLADDING CONTAINER A COARSE FRACTION OF FUEL MATERIAL WHICH INCLUDES PLUTONIUM AND URANIUM IN THE APPROPRIATE REGIONS OF THE FUEL ELEMENT AND THEN INFILTRATING WITH VIBRATION A FINE-SIZED FRACTION OF URANIUM-CONTAINING MICROSPHERES THROUGHOUT ALL INTERSTICES IN THE COARSE MATERIAL IN A SINGLE LOADING. THE FINE, RIGID MATERIAL DEFINES A THIN ANNULAR LAYER BETWEEN THE COARSE FRACTION AND THE CLADDING TO REDUCE ADVERSE MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS.
Inventors
- 👤 J Sease
- 👤 F Harrington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:10
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/28; G21C21/00; G21C21/02; G21C21/04; G21C3/04; G21C3/16; G21C3/26; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
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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) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |