US3804354A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel rod spacer system for nuclear fuel assemblies
Assignee: GA Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1972-03-09
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Granted: 1974-04-16
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Expires: 1992-03-09
Abstract
Abstract An improved nuclear fuel rod spacer system and support structure is disclosed which includes a cage assembly for receiving a fuel rod in tight bearing engagement therewith. A cage assembly with a fuel rod extending therethrough is constructed to fit within a cell defined by a conventional grid structure and to lockingly engage a specially constructed and cooperating locking structure projecting inwardly of the cell.
Inventors
- 👤 J Weiss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:56
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/34; G21C3/356; G21C3/3566; G21C3/3416; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
In a nuclear fuel rod spacer assembly having a grid structure defining a plurality of fuel rod receiving cells and a support structure associated with each cell and adapted for supporting a portion of the fuel rod extending therethrough, the improvement wherein at least one support structure includes: a. a cage structure dimensioned and configured to be engageably supported within the cell of the grid structure and surrounding at least a portion of the fuel rod, said cage structure being dimensioned and configured to securely engage the rod in substantially tight fitting relation therewith such that the longitudinal axis of the rod is substantially central of said cage structure; b. at least resilient one member secured to said cage structure and extending in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fuel rod; and c. at least one button-like projection extending from an inner surface portion of the cell and inwardly toward the central portion thereof, said projection having means thereon engageable by the transverse member of said cage structure in snapped engagement therewith while the dimensions and configuration of the cage structure provide engagement with cell portions opposite said button-like projection thereby supporting the rod within the cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a nuclear fuel rod spacer assembly having a grid structure defining a plurality of fuel rod receiving cells and a support structure associated with each cell and adapted for supporting a portion of the fuel rod extending therethrough, the improvement wherein at least one support structure includes: a. a cage structure dimensioned and configured to be engageably supported within the cell of the grid structure and surrounding at least a portion of the fuel rod, said cage structure being dimensioned and configured to securely engage the rod in substantially tight fitting relation therewith such that the longitudinal axis of the rod is substantially central of said cage structure; b. at least resilient one member secured to said cage structure and extending in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fuel rod; and c. at least one button-like projection extending from an inner surface portion of the cell and inwardly toward the central portion thereof, said projection having means thereon engageable by the transverse member of said cage structure in snapped engagement therewith while the dimensions and configuration of the cage structure provide engagement with cell portions opposite said button-like projection thereby supporting the rod within the cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The improvement according to claim 1 wherein: a. said one resilient member is a rung member extending in a direction generally transverse to the axis of the fuel rod, and b. the button-like projection includes two buttons spaced apart by a flat surface for engaging said rung-like member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein said flat surface is raised.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein: a. said cage includes at least one gripping member made of a continuous length of wire bent to form an open-mesh structure with said rung-like member being defined by a section of the bent wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The improvement according to claim 2 wherein: a. said cage includes four gripping members each of which is made of a continuous length of wire bent to form an open-mesh structure with at least two of said gripping members each having at least one of said rung-like members with each such rung-like member being defined by a section of the bent wire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement according to claim 5 wherein: a. the gripping members with the rung-like members are positioned adjacent each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The improvement according to claim 4 wherein: a. each gripping member has opposing end portions extending in the same direction away from the plane defined by each rung-like member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement according to claim 7 wherein: a. each of said gripping members are made of spring wire of generally round cross-sectional configuration.
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) | 1977-04-15 | 1977-10-15 | 1978-04-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-15 | 1981-10-15 | 1982-04-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-15 | 1985-10-15 | 1986-04-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |